Strengthening my relationship with God

BARCELONA – EL PILAR (320 KM) – 20 TO 31 JULY 2021

The pilgrimage to El Pilar was my second pilgrimage. All the pilgrimages I have made have been special, but I remember this one with great affection, because I am very devoted to Our Lady of the Pillar: my grandfather is Aragonese and ever since we were very little we have gone to see her and to pray there! I really enjoyed this pilgrimage, I was able to grow in my relationship with the Lord and I strengthened many friendships.

They were 12 very intense days… with a huge amount of tiredness. Even so, it helped me strengthen my relationship with God and learn not to complain so much. I remember getting a very big blister on my foot, and one of my friends wouldn’t stop trying to make me laugh so that I wouldn’t complain so much. I will never forget that afternoon!

We left Barcelona and passed through Terrassa and Montserrat, where we were able to see the Moreneta. On this stage, the parish priest who always walks with us broke his foot and reinforcements had to come… That was when many of us met Fr Toni, who walked with us as we went on pilgrimage. We also passed through Jorba, Cervera, Palau d’Anglesola, Lleida, Fraga, Candasnos, Bujaraloz and Pina de Ebro; on the last stages we walked through Los Monegros, the great Aragonese desert. It’s worth mentioning that it was very hot and that, from talking so much, we ran out of water. I don’t think I have ever taken a glass of water as eagerly as the one they offered me in Candasnos! The last two stages were Fuentes de Ebro and ZARAGOZA: there Our Lady was waiting for us with her arms wide open!

I want to point out that in each and every place we passed through they treated us in the best possible way; that’s why we are very grateful…